for almost Everyone Overview

The Aosta Valley is a small Region in the size of the entire Alpine Arch from Ligurian Sea to the East and up the Adriatic Sea to the West, however, has a multitude of places where you can make beautiful and easy hikes and excursions. His thirteen Valleys and the many secondaries Vallons offer varied opportunities to attend and meet her and not cé need to climb Mont Blanc or Grandes Jorasses both into the same Mountain Chain, Matterhorn or Cervino, Monte Rosa or Gran Paradiso Group to achieve this result. Indeed these climbs, ranging over everything and everyone, often do not give a true knowledge of the same, often becoming unrealistic and out of the normality to be the Mountain and its most intrinsic particular features. In this little work, however, is meant to make known her to you completely, at least in all its main Valleys, proposing a series trips, ten for this first part, however, is meant to make known her to you completely, at least in all its main Valleys, proposing a series trips, one for each of them, with the primary objective of making you a 360° range across this Valley. On the whole, but above all, because in all the same involve the taking of the whole direct vision.

"A good break reflexive never hurts ...", by emilius

A very huge or at least exaggerated claim? Can be, but is the certainty of feasibility of this arrival point, although with a single trip for each of them. For this raison this work is divided into three distinct parts or better areas that will give rise to three distinct pages and where, in this, we will visit a dozen major and minor valleys in Northwest of Dora Baltea ranging then those from the Valley of the Gran San Bernardo reach the "Conca" of By in front of Mont Velan Grand Combins de Valsorey, Grafeneire, Tsassette.
This time starting from West to East these are being affected and that come down to the Dora Baltea: Val Ferret, Val Sapin, Vallons of Planavalle, Vertosan Basin Vetan and still Vallons of Verrogne, Clusellaz and Met, with the latter consisting of a series of small vallons that radiate overhang ringing the towns of Saint Pierre, Sarre, Aosta and Gignod. Besides opening dates back to large fan Valley of Gran San Bernardo with a series of more or less small vallons (Buthier, Arsy, Flassin, Citrin, Serena, Merdeux, Thoula, Leisasses, Fenetre), the waters of which flow into first in Rio de Artanavaz or Buthier de Bosses and Buthier of Ollomont and then unite with the Buthier of Valpelline and generally become the "Buthier", which flows into the Dora Baltea in Aosta after the Arch of Augustus. The ancient Celtic "Bu and Boud" and Roman "Buthiacus and Bautegius" in the Middle Ages become "Balteus" as for the "Dora" in which just pours. Both have left ominous signs in the Valley. Together with Dora Ferret and the Torrents Sapin, Planavalle, Vertosan, Clusellaz constitute the largest catchment area of ​​this vast area, which now has more lakes fed by glaciers that now almost completely disappeared. In fact, for someone ritrovarene it is necessary to climb to Etroubles where the Glacier du Mont Velan powers the Menouve Torrent or, on the opposite side, the small glaciers at the base of the ridge border between Col de Valsorey and the Fenetre Durand. Instead resists the Glacier du Mont Gelé but gradually disappears under the Becca Crevaye, Trident de Faudery, various Morions, Mont Clapier and towards Punta Cesare Fiorio and neighbor Mont-de-Berrio, above Ollomont and Valpelline Municipalities.
So an area, Velan excluded, more suitable for the practice of Hiking that facing away from the Mountaineering or Climbing; an area specifically indicated for Walking to the lakes. Seven are also considered the requirements for basic routes description, with the elasticity of only two factors missing for each, which can be summarized in this way:1)-: paths or marked trails, or failing this, simply always detectable both up during descent and where possible coincident. In any case always easy to identify and to follow.2)-: easy route with itineraries aimed at E (Walkers) or EE (Expert Hikers), with the occasional use of the upper limbs; difficulties on rock from F (Easy) At the F+ ((middle intermediate grade more), with steps not greater hardly ever than I°/I°+ (U.I.A.A. Scale or Union of the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation).3)-: lack of glaciers or marginal traverses on thereof; snowfields or presence of glacial-snow-capped with a slope of no more than 30/35 degrees and possibly free of crevasses.4)-: possibility of having at not great distances good support points as camps, bivouacs or shelters, generally always well marked along the entire way.5)-: in the absence of these, there are points of cover from the elements as natural shelters, caves in the rock, Alps or "Casotti" (Cabins) by the Parks or Forest Rangers Huts.6)-: absence of large and more or less obvious objective dangers over the path (falling stones, landslides, avalanches, snowslides or simply collapsing scaffoldings glacial).7)-: vantage point of first order of the entire valley visited, possibly central and still to allow the full view on the same and in distance at least over a part of the Valley of Aosta.

It is not necessary to take Motorway A5: you can drive on State Road n° 26, in the direction of AOSTA - IVREA - TURIN.

By plane:

Aeroporto Internazionale "Corrado Gex" Saint Christophe (Aosta)

Any advice and recommendation ... small Decalogue

"Never bite off more than you can chew ... "

by Massimo Centelleghe

"Watch where you put your feet: is shy but bites ... "

by Camillo Roberto Ferronato

"If you are tired sit and smile to Life ... "

by Marco Cossard "Crevassino"

"If you are "boiled" lying down and see the Map ... "

by Marco Cossard "Crevassino"

"If you do not know where you are control signs ... "

by emilius

"Do not disturb Peace and not pollute Environment ... "

by emilius

"Winter Sun always good, Summer not too much ... "

by emilius

"Check always good tools: before, during and after ... "

by Osw

"If you're thirsty you drink the water fresh and pure ... "

by emilius

"Occasionally admires the Panorama & the Landscape, otherwise what you going to do in the mountains? ... "

by Osw

30 Routes Description

North Ranges among By, St. Bernard, Ferret, de Bagnes, d'Entremont, Valsorey e Swiss Ferret Valleys, East to West

by Antonio, marked by Osw

The choice of these 30 routes is always targeted to the 7 pre above requirements.
It is designed to identify the most suitable excursion to the parameters predicted and that the best way to represent a valley, in general all the proposals are aimed at ascents ranging on average between 2750 to 3350 metres with a few exceptions. However it has also tried to offer alternative opportunities, presenting on the single territory other two proposals; the same are more equally synthesized but always containing all the basic information you need. Or simply to provide more tips and suggestions, with the division into three bands enough diversified.
Band One: is the basic tour designed to represent the specific valley; is described in detail, numerous annotations, timing only indicative and various suggestions.Band Two: Excursion similar to the previous one, with the same altitude but also in less differentiated (usually) or more; viewpoint completely different from the first proposal.Band Three: Excursion of less effort and duration and also, more suited to the path even with children or boys, also to use as "backup" in case of uncertain weather.

Approach from Courmayeur-Lavachey-Arnouva: towards Col de Belle Combe (3000m; EE; 4h'00/4h'30 from Arnouva) and through quite easy Southwestern Crest, formed by rocks very broken and debris bypassing some short distance to the left (West) (EE/A/F+; 1h'00/1h'15 by Bellecombe Pass; 5h'30/6h'00 from Arnouva).

Approach from Courmayeur: towards Col de Belle Combe through the path n° 26 passing the Alps Bellecombe Dèsott e Damon (2192m, 2256m); from this last with unnumbered path upto the altitude 2320 metres around and finally by a track or remains of snowfields to the East-southeast flexing more towards left in final part (3000m; EE; 4h'00/4h'30 from Arnouva) and through Northern Crest, short, fairly easy and consists of schist sharpened (EE/F; 0h'30 from pass; 4h'30/5h'00 by Arnouva).

Approach from Arnouva-Pré de Bar Alp (Refuge Elena): with ascent with path into the Ban Darrey Vallon, through the trail n° 25 passing the unnamed pasture (2264 metres; deviation to the North towards the Grand Ferret Hill with crossing in Swiss Ferret Valley) and after by not numbered path up to the homonym pass (2696m) after passing a small rocky area near the stream and more than easy South-southwestern Crest in terminal part (E/F; 1h'15/1h'30 from refuge; 3h'00/3h'30 from parking).

2/B)- Tête de la Tronche and Testa Bernarda (2584m, 2534m)
Approach from Courmayeur Villair Fraction: by Courmayeur Center neighbor the "Alpine Museum" (1220m about), take the Municipal Road to the North in Val Sapin, in parallel towards East with this more important and wide of the Val Ferret, that reaches the eponymous hill where the end Graians and begin the Pennine Alps to which belong the Summits addressed in this Route (Tête de la Tronche and Testa Bernarda). Reached Villair Dessus (Upper) where this ends for the use without its permission (1382m; cartel ban immediately after the village); from this point start to climb towards the Northeast, through the same one that coincides with the path n° 38 until you reach the junction 1470 metres which, through the n° 42/TMB to the West-northwest, reaches the Refuge Giorgio Bertone, very scenic towards the Mont Blanc and on a meadow-rocky promontory at the beginning of the watershed of Mont de la Saxe. Abandoned this on the left, proceed on the valley floor always with the Northeast direction until you come to the next Village of La Trappa (1505m) and from this, exclusively through the same path to the equally tiny Village Tsapy (1635m), very close the famous "Trou des Romains" or "Hole Roman", where there is an ancient Roman Goldmine, now long abandoned and closed as very dangerous and subject to frequent landslides (E/F; 1h'00/1h'15). Route from Tsapy or Chapy Hamlet (1635m) towards Sapin Hill (2435m): from the Village Tsapy, collocated at the center of the valley and at the end of the dirt road, leaving to the North the old route that runs along the bottom of the valley along the Torrent de Tsapy then navigate to the Northeast to the hill, climb decidedly to the East via the trail n° 43/44, which quickly reaches the Pasture of Freydevaz (1739m). From here with sharp bends and hemicircular path towards the Northeast to the alternative 2962 metres, just before the Currù Torrent in the adjacent vallon. Discarded South deviation, that by the trail n° 43A leads to Alpages La Suche (1810m), just after you reach the torrent. From this you leave on the right (East) the deviation with the trail n° 44 that leads to Liconi Hill, Lake and Tête de Liconi or Licony (2674m, 2555m, 2929m), now above La Salle and Morgex Municipalities, continuing, by means of a short descent, the path followed up to here which comes in a short time the Alp of Currù (1964m); from here a long diagonal to the North, dominating from the high the vallon, easily leads to the hill by a long series of small and narrow hairpin bends (E/F; 2h'15/2h'30).Variant with ancient route on valley floor: from Tsapy, where both the private dirt road that the concomitant trail n° 38, ends, continue in the same direction, but with a smaller path and not numbered, going for a short time along the shore hydrographic right of the Torrent de Sapin for then wade the same and continue on the other side until the altitude 1732 metres, where you will return with a new ford to the West. From this point the trail, always going up next to the same torrent, bends most at Northwest reaching the altitude of 2164 metres, where it ends; reach through grassy slopes-detrital subsequent to following altitude 2223 metres at two branches that give rise to the creek and, after crossing a small secondary vallon toward the Northeast, always using the same type of ground in a short time to reach the Sapin Hill (2435m; EE/F; 1h'45/2h'15). From Col Sapin (2435m), left to right branch that goes down to the Tsa (more high Alp) de Sécheron (2260m) into the adjacent Armina Vallon, continue with the path n° 42 in the Northwest Crest, or just under the edge of the ridge, of Tête de la Tronche (2584m) to reach the same easily and quickly hence the same, down more to the West, reaches a wide saddle (2495m), after which you reach, wanting to go on the trail, the nearby Testa Bernarda (2534m; E/F; 1h'15/1h'30 or 2h'00).

Approach from Planavalle Village: from Planavalle or Planaval Hamlet (1750m), before through dirt road, after with the muletrack-path n° 6/7 towards Rantin (2333m), Pra Barlet (2358m) and Bonalé or Bonalex Pastures (2340m; EE/F; 1h'30/2h'00). Cross the vallon floor of the hanging valley on a faint trail, aiming for the grassy slopes to the left of a characteristic beak-shaped promontory above a cliff. Continue in a couloir with light-colored rocks aiming for the shoulder that comes down directly from Petite Rochère (not for the scree-filled gully). Past a couple of steep slopes made of calceschists and grassy turf, reach a faint but very scenic trail that leads, through scree and patches of snow, to the col between Grande Rochère and Petite Rochère. From there, climb through scree and broken rocks to reach the Summit. The route is not difficult, but steep and the trail is discontinuous. The Top trigonometric marker (3326m) is visible from below. (EE/F+; 2h'45/3h'15 from Bonalé Alpage; 4h'45/5h'15 by Planavalle Hamlet).

3/B)- Aiguille de Bonalé (3201m)
Approach and route from Planavalle or Planaval Hamlet (1750m): , before through dirt road, after with the muletrack-path n° 6/7 towards Rantin (2333m), Pra Barlet (2358m) and Bonalé or Bonalex (2340m) Pastures (EE/F; 1h'30/2h'00). From this last continue with unnumbered path towards North-northwest and then almost at its end to cross to the West side in a secondary vallon with grassy-detritus and finally snowfields that leads to Col de Bonalé (2925m). Continue via the Southwest Ridge meeting at beginning of a partition wall that is exceeded by a chimney (I°+/II°-) and steep scree and debris to reach the Top (EEA/PD-/F+; 1h'00 from pass; 4h'30/5h'00 Planaval).

3/C)- Aiguille d'Artanavaz (3071m)
Approach and route from Planavalle Village : from Planavalle tiny Village (1750m), below Bec de l'Aouille (2535m), proceed with the previous itineraries to reach before the Alp Rantin (2338 m), where the valley splits sending a branch to the Northeast towards the Serena Hill, and after that of Bonalé or Bonalex (2340m; source) located immediately to the West of the long ridge called Côte de Serena (2785m, on South Ridge of Crêton du Midi), here this ends. Leaving Northwest the way to the Great Rochère, continue further North through a small path not numbered nor reported running out towards the 2415 metres at the end of the South "Crestone" of Crêton du Midi (3071m). Ending the path next to the stream at the bottom vallon, progressively it flexes just right following a steep grassy promontory placed between two secondary torrents reaching the altitude of 2740 metres. Cross the undulating vallon above, leaving the left (West) Aiguille de Bonalé, to reach the Lac de Bonalex (2782m), just below that of Malatrà (3142 m; E/F; 1h'15/1h'30). The final part is made up of easy and even toppo steep scree slopes, where snow usually remains until the beginning of summer. The tour is in fact quite popular in Ski-Mountaineering and lets achieve this important topographic node consists of three sides turned to Northwest of Val Ferret (Vallon de Malatrà), North of the Valley of the Gran San Bernardo (Combe du Merdeux) and precisely in South to the Valley of Dora Baltea (Vallon of Planavalle) (E/F; 3h'30/3h'45).

Approach and route from Planavalle Village: Planavalle (1750m) follow the previous way to the nearby Aig. d'Artanavaz up to the Lac de Bonalé (2782m), below Aig. de Malatrà; from here, leaving left (North-northwest) this route, go instead directly toward Northeast reaching the base of the steep Southwestern Slope at an altitude of 2845 metres about. Take the same with some small rocks and debris, making sure on the many traits covered with grass "olline" before reaching the Summit (EE/F; 3h'45/4h'00). Variation: from the lake up to the depression between the Aiguille Artanavaz Grand Crêton (2950 metres around); reached this turn right and go up through the Northwest Ridge, with pretty easy but certainly safer route: bypassed the altitude (3062 metres, in a short time you get to the Vertex (passages of I°/I°+; exposure facing North or San Bernard Valley; 4h'00/4h'15). This mountain, like the neighbors Crêton du Midi (2945m) and the Côte de Serena (2785m), are rarely paths; route are more delicate that difficult, because of the very bad rock quality and the presence of grassy layers above the same. Therefore greater emphasis on Hunters than to Hikers or even Mountaineers.

Approach from Vens Village: From Vens (1734/50m, in West by Vetan) up with the paved road towards the overlying Saddle of Joux (1930m; little parking at the namesake lake) to the beginning of the long Vertosan Vallon; by this first fall with the farm road, concomitant with the trail n° 30/VA, to the north up to the bottom of the vallon reaching Alp Maison de Plan. A detour n° 20 first Southward and then n° 3/8 North leads to Zette Mountain (1965m); this goes up to the North through the trail n° 3/8 arriving at the crossroads just before Or de Bard Damon Pasture (2177m). Reversing the path and with the path n° 3 is reached by a long diagonal to the Bard Pass (2176m; E/F; 1h'00/1h'15). From this worth making a detour to get to the South, crossing a vast grassy plateau and small rocks into the end always with the path, the bastion of the Court de Bard (2262 metres; E/F; 0h'30). After returning to the hill and continue on the ridge dividing the North and go to the next Borromein Pass (2319m), and always with the same kind of path, after a round antesummit 2442 metres, the two Punta Fetita or Felita (2623m; E/F; 1h'30 from the Col de Bard). In short it comes down to the underlying and namesake hill (2557m) continuing, the same direction along the Southern Crest of three Testa dei Frà (2818m, the highest) through a small trail that rises up debris, blocks and broken rocks (E/F; 0h'45 from the Felita Pass; 4h'00/4h'30 by Joux Saddle). Easy before to get off the Ridge North-northeast and, after, in ascent through the Crest South-southwest, of easy rock routes, to reach the Testa di Serena (2830m) above Dziule Lochs, where the watershed Planavalle/Vertosan ends (EE/F+; 0h'45; 5h'00/5h'30 in total). Wanting to "close the loop" you can continue on the ridge dividing Vertosan/Great St. Bernard, and bowing to the Northeast across the Crest of Corléans or Corbian consists of four elevations (2807m, the highest); the ridge is longer than 2 km. but easy enough. But caution because the rock is broken, with grass and often covered with soil and, after the downhill more Eastern Top (2782m), the next notch turf starts to climb with similar characteristics on West-southwest Crest of Punta Valletta (2801m; A/PD-/PD; 0h'40 by Testa Serena. The descent is via the Southeast Ridge easily to Col Citrin (2484m; E/F; 0h'25), whence the route n° 10/VA are reached Sorace (2207m), Tronchey (1947m) Alps at the Vertosan Torrent; with trail n° 20/VA again concomitant to dirt road, Jovençan and Breuil/Or de Breuil (1845m), Maison de Plan following Alps. From here a short ascent, passing Maisonnettes and Neuves Alps, leads to the Joux Saddle (E/F; 1h'15/1h'30 downhill; 7h'30/8h'30 total).

Approach from Vetan Dessus (1737 m): from the Upper Village of Vetan take the trail n° 13, passing through the Thoules Pasture (1944m), it reaches to Grandes Arpilles (2120m). Leaving the farm dirt road to the right towards the Vallon of Verrogne, continues instead to Northwest with what to Alp Chaz Creuse or Tsecreousa (2398m), at the Eastern Slopes of Punta Aouilletta. For this easy slope reach the Summit formed by several elevations rounded on the highest of which has been placed a black tiny Madonna. From Aouilletta easily continue on the watershed with unnumbered small path towards Northeast reaching the Altitude 2692 metres, located between the two small saddles 2555, 2623 metres and then the West False Summit (2734m) from which in short to the Punta Leissé or Leysser with great wooden Cross (E/F; 4h'15/4h'45 from Vetan).Variation: instead of Vetan you can start from Joux Saddle (1930m) at the entrance in Vertosan Vallon: reaching the collar detour on the road from San Nicolas Common in the direction of Villages Fossaz and Vens (1750m), continue on easy and "open" Southwest Ridge, entirely covered by the little path n° 29 (E/F; 1h'30/1h'45 from the saddle).

Approach and Route through Southwestern Slope: from Grandzetta Hamlet (1780m) to a)- passage 1714 metres to the path by Verrogne Hamlet n° 10A to Loé Alp (1986m); after through the path n° 10/11 to the small saddle 2272 metres for the Tsa de Comba (+; 2277 m). Leaving this via and turning Southeast with the trail n° 9A reach the Quota (2348m), through traverse on Northwest Crest and crossing to saddle 2221 metres; from this by an easy crest to the Becca France (E/F; 3h'00/3h'15).
Also b)- Variant: from Loé Alp crossing in East through forest before by dirt road and after with the path n° 11B on Plan de Neyret de Verrogne, after moraine to rocky promontory 2247 metres on final part of South Crest and Summit (E/F+; 2h'45/3h'00). Again c)- : by Plan Neyret reach, through a secondary valley with blocks to the North, the saddle 2221 metres (E; 2h'30/3h'00). Finally d/e)- : from Combelin small Village (1586m), reached by a short deviation on the "Road of Salassians" by Aosta or from Sarre, amongst Ville sur Sarre (1212m), Bellun (1382m), Homené Dessus (1493m) Hamlets, through the trail n° 10/11A, under the Rochers de Barma into the Bois de Verrogne, to Plan de Neyret and with path not numbered towards East-southeast to altitude 2114 metres (here arrive even the trail n° 9A from neighbor Bellun), for to conclude on watershed up to the rocky promontory 2179 metres and to the preceding route through the small saddle 2247 metres and Southern Crest (E; 2h'45/3h'15).

Approach from Thouraz Hamlet: Normal Route to this mountain that must be considered along the large South Slope. But many variations lead to the peak, especially in approaches that may occur from the Southwest, or from the Tourist Center Vetan (1.671m) through the Verrogne Vallon first and then entering one of Clusella through a small saddle (2255m) at the base its Southwest Ridge, with path n° 12/10. The same can be achieved more directly starting from the Village of Verrogne (1582m) and going up the vallon of the same name, but also from the Clusella Vallon starting at the new little Thouraz Hamlet (+; 1.652m) above Ville sur Sarre (1212m). Typically this is mostly used to climb the Southwest Crest, and from Vetan is a necessary step, going up the vallon to the West is discarded Clusella happening climb directly through the South Side of the base of the mountain that extends Eastward from the aforementioned saddle until it reaches a slightly accentuated and Southeast Edge so as to separate this from the North Slope. The basis of, in a small grassy-rocky bifurcation, there is the bautiful Lake Fallère (2415m), from which a small path n° 8A goes back to the rocky promontory above and then go to connect with the muletrack-path (n° 9/10, renewed for a little over a decade) that reaches the old Regina Margherita Shelter (2983m), built in 1884 and is now completely destroyed. This main path goes more to the West and begins between the small Lake Clapin and Chaz de Morgnoz (2271m); first goes directly to the North then, bending gradually to the East with many bends, reaches remains the same. A slope of rocks and debris easy reach in a short time the West Shoulder or East Top (3043m); this crossing on the Eastern Edge of about 220 metres leads to Summit. This trait was not long equipped with chains, which exceed a few short sections with challenging rock gear; this crossing is easy but in some short places it is exposed (E/F/F+; 00h'45/1h'00 from base; 1h'30/1h'40 by lake 2415m; 2h'30/3h'00 from departure on dirt road).

6/B)- Traverse Col and Punta di Paletta to Monte Rosso of Vertosan (2707m, 2810m, 2940m)
Approach from Verrogne Hamlet: by Verrogne (1595 m) with the trail n° 10A/11 to the Loé Pasture (1986m) from where you continue with that n° 11A/10 to the Lac de Grenouilles (2363m; E/F; 2h'20/2h'40). From the pond through the trail n° 13 to the other 2377 metres and Alp les Crottes (2385m; 0h'15). From this, crossing toward the Southwest in a small vallon can be reached with the path n° 13A the paletta(z) Pass (2707m; E/F; 1h'00/1h'15); following the ridge watershed is easy to reach the Punta Paletta (2810m), from which it descends through the short but exposed North Ridge to a notch (I°+/II-, exposed and to circumvent to the West by a grassy ledge). From this easily along the wide South Crest towards Monte Rosso (2940m; EE/F+ with a sudden stretch of PD-; 2h'15/2h'45 from les Crottes; 4h'30/5h'00 by Verrogne).

Approach from the Fraction of Mottes by the State Road towards the Great St. Bernard Pass: by Mottes (1660/70m, Village of Bosses, accessible from the National Road No. 27 of the Gran San Bernardo) address itself to the West down slightly to pass under the highway to the "big bend". After Rio Artanavaz upon a bridge, can be reached in the progression the Pastures of Maytie (1676m), Farettes (1666m) and Arp du Bois Dèsott (1935m), where comes even a path not numbered from Alpages Merdeux Dèsott (1919m), Côtes (1930m) and Potz-Ardusi (1784m) on trail of the Alta Via n° 1 and at the entrance of the real and long Comba's Merdeux. Continue instead to Southwest through the path n° 29, which goes completely shorter Comba Serena to reach the hill of the same name, also known as "Fenetre de Sereina" (2547 m; E/F; 2h'30/3h'00). From this climb on brief and easy Crest Northwest, with rotten rocks and debris, reaching before the junction 2663 metres with the Corléans Ridge (2807m, towards Northeast) and just after, with trail more to the South on Northern Crest, the Summit (2830m; EE/F/F+; 0h'45/1h'00 Serena Hill; 3h'30/4h'00 by Mottes).

7/B)- Crossing from Testa Cordella, Mont Flassin, Mont Vertosan towards Fenêtre Pass (2663m, 2772m, 2605m, 2758m, 2689m, 2822m, 2729m)
Approach from Aosta Town through the Great St. Bernard State Road n° 27: by the Municipality of Saint-Oyen (1373m), accessible from the State Road and abandon this, past a bridge over the Rio Artanavaz (Torrent or little stream), come to the Pasture of Pré Neue (1324m), at the two "Camp del Mulino" (Mill) and "Pineta". Through the farms private dirt road to the trail concomitant n° 7, climb heading Southwest with the Alps of Champex (1411m) to the East and Rond (1447m) to reach the nearby Flassin de Meitin (Middle; 1654m); in a short time through a long diagonal route in South to reach Flassin Pasture (1700m). From this, going high to the East above the eponymous Torrent reach an altitude of about 2200 metres, where, turning decidedly to the West, it passes over the coming Tsa (Higher Alp) de Flassin (2258m; 2h'30/3h'00). From the Upper Alp Flassin or Tsa de Flassin leave the path n° 7 that climbs to Col Flassin, or continue with the same rejoining the hill with the route by Vertosan Vallon (Joux Saddle above Vens Village). Instead go up through the path n° 7B to the Northwest and arrive at an old alp 2439 metres in ruins. From this continue reaching the Testa Cordella (2663m) on Southeastern Slope; through this easy trail on watershed to the South, after a small saddle 2606 metres, reaching a first shoulder or Northern Antesummit (2767m), from which through the easy West-northwest Crest to the Summit (EE/F+; 1h'00/1h'15 from testa Cordella; 2h'15/2h'45 from Tsa de Flassin; 5h'30/6h'00 by St. Oyen). From Mont Flassin South or better Southeast (2772m) down through the short, easy, grassy Ridge Southeast towards the below Col Flassin (2605m), continuing on the watershed, with semi-circular path always Southeast, are reached in succession the Quota 2758 metres, the carving 2689 metres or Colle Western Vertosan and soon the Mont Vertosan (2822m; EE/F; 1h'00/1h'15 by Mont Flassin SE). More than a short descent through the debris Cresta East-northeast leads to the Hill Window (2729 m, stone cairns and numerous positions of hunting). The descent from the same to return in Flassin Vallon is via steep and stony, doubled to the right (East), a rock band, you reach the Tsa (EE/F+; 0h'45/1h'00; with fresh snow the descent is more delicate, calculate almost twice as long; overall EE/F/F+; 7h'30/8h'30 round trip St. Oyen).

7/C)- Crossing Punta Chaligne, Tardiva Hill & Crest (2608m, 2410m, 2380m)
Approach from Aosta towards Great St. Bernard by State Road n° 27 and alternative near Condemine Hamlet through variants with possibilities by Snowshoes :
from Condemine alternative on State Road towards the above Villages of Grand Buthier (1302m), Petit Buthier (1439m) and Roncailles, Rombason, Crossroads 1854 metres through the path n° 3A/2A or concomitant with the dirt road, always n° 3A/2A and subsequent crossing from fork 2150 metres on watershed North/South of Costa Tardiva (2380m) to Tardiva Hill with path n° 3 (E/F; 3h'00/3h'15). Or by Chaligne Shelter (1936m; new since years 2000) to Tardiva Hill, through unnumbered trail in Northwest on Southeast Slope (E/F; 0h'45/1h'00). Also by refuge, through small path n° 2 in South, towards the small saddle (2405m) on Eastern Crest of Punta Chaligne and traverse with short and easy descent to Met Alpage (2261m; E/F; 1h'00/1h'15), into the Southern Vallon below Eastern slopes of Met Summit and Hill (2553m, 2485m). And again by refuge, saddle to the Punta Chaligne through final part of East Crest. Note: must be avoided both the ascent and the descent through the inviting especially the Northeast Slope; have already occurred on the same misfortunes mortal avalanche while backcountry Skiing Excursions. Always in the same season even the Northern Ridge, which sends a branch to the Hill Tardiva and another to La Tsa (2742m), it is very dangerous; it should always be the first amongst the routes, that takes place inside the forest, and then it is certainly somewhat more safe and secure. Otherwise you must jump over the saddle, losing a little altitude, climb to the Col de Met (2608m; E/F; 1h'45/2h'15).

Approach from Alpe Muanda (1441m) by the State Road to Great St. Bernard: from Mottes Village (1670m, reachable from the route State Road n° 27 towards Gran San Bernardo) to the West, descending a little to pass under the highway near the "big bend". Cross the Artanavaz Stream on a small bridge the on to the Pastures of By (1767m), Potz-Ardusi (1784m) and Moindaz, Manda even Muanda (1973m), bordering the waterfalls of Thoules Torrent. You can arrive here also starting, by Alta Via n° 1, from the Devies car parking, just beyond the "big hairpin bend", through the Pastures of Merdeux Dèsott (1919m) and Côtes (1930m). From Muanda cross twice the torrent and follow the Eastern bank till the Pastures of Comba Thoula and near the Saint Rhémy Hill; follow the path coming from it and, passing some dry channels in West, up to the moraine of the small Glacier des Bosses. Get it at 2700 metres around, leaving on the left (South) the path to Col de Sauliè. On along the moraine (steep and tiring) to get the remains of the glacier; after a short and steep (35°/38°) slope face the rocky bar in the middle, starting from left, then to the right along a system of ledges with some tracks (steps of I°/II°, ice or water with topsoil). Once at the upper debris and snow band, toward Northwest to a narrow very steep rocky gully of about 100 metres (rotten rocks and debris with danger of falling rocks) on the South-southeast Face getting the big cairn on the Vertex (EE/F+/PD-; 2h'15/2h'45 from base; 4h'30/5h'00 in total).Variant of entrance into the "Comba" Thoule: in the lower part you can get the high Comba Thoula from the hairpin bend 2079 metres of the State Road n° 27 towards Great St. Bernard just beyond the Praz d'Arc Pasture along the military road towards the overhanging Saint Rhèmy Hill (2540m), below the Southeast Ridge Aig. de Leisasses.

Approach from State Road with Route through Saint Rhémy Hill East Slope: from State Road n° 27 of the great Saint Bernard towards Pra di Farco Alp (2221m) and following Saint Rhémy Hill (2560m) with path n° 12 (E/F; 1h'30/1h'45). Continue with the same along the middle Thoula Vallon towards Saulié Pass (2816m) from altitude 2650 metres about in Southwest and crossing integrally on West Crest (E/F; 1h'00/1h'15 from St. Rhémy Hill; EEA/F+/PD-; 0h'40 to "Aiguillon"; 3h'20/3h'40 in total).

Approach from State Road through Praz or Pra de Farcoz Alp: goes up from the hairpin bend (2079m), just in West of Praz d'Arc Pasture (1992m); briefly reached Alp Praz de Farcoz (2223m), continue along the torrent on vallon floor and, after passing some ancient ruins, follow a secondary vallon ending with a debris channel leading to the Fourchon Pass (2969m). After crossing the three elevations 2833, 2880, 2908 metres on exposed but easy Northeast Ridge (I°+/II°-) you get the aerial and panoramic Vertex (EEA/F+/PD-; 3h'15/3h'45 by Praz d'Arc Pasture). This is more pleasant, scenic route, because it allows the easy stretches of climbing and searching via with some small bypass to the North in order to overcome short ribs (otherwise II°/II°+ with route on the edge of the ridge). Probably this route was for the first time in September 2000.Variant or Normal Route: from the old alpages (2357m) near various small torrents, leaving right (Northwest) the preceding route, continue West on moraines up to an steep narrowing, in general with hard snow; with traverse right/left (delicate) on the same reach an above plateau with residual snowfields. From these, through a smal track, towards the Southern Crest; climb on edge of the ridge (I°, but exposed in West) and enough easily to the Top (EE/F+; 2h'45/3h'15 from Praz de Farcoz). This route is surely more popular and used even in Ski-Mountaineering OSA (good Skiers-Mountaineers); caution when crossing the steep narrow passage, where train hard snow until the summer and often with ice. More caution should be observed in this step when the snow is high and not yet well transformed; better opt for the earlier, ie the Northeast Crest.

Approach and Route from S.S. n° 27 (2360 metres around): rom Saint Bernard Pass (2469m) also from just below Montagna Baus (2373m) along the Fenêtre Vallon towards Mont Fourchon Eastern Slope with debris and easy rocks on very short Eastern crest in the final part in the middle of blocks of rock whitish (E/F; 1h'45/2h'00). Subsequent crossing to nearby Pain de Sucre, after bypassed the wide Saddle 2800 metres about, through the West-northwest debris Slope with small and easy rocks composed by a series of great blocks in terminal part in the brief and easy edge of the West Ridge (one step of I°+, exposed in South; EE/F+; 0h'40 in total 2h'30/2h'45).

Approach through Great St. Bernard Hill: Gran San Bernardo Lake reach the Hospice and from this through easy Southeast Slope to Pt. Chenalette; continue with equipped path (check the stairs) to the Grande. After, always on watershed Italy/Switzerland, towards Drône, Fenêtre d'En Haut, Pointes de Fonteinte South and North with descent to Fenêtre de Ferret Hill and to the homonym vallon. Finally return, throuhg small paths just above the State Road to Great St. Bernard (EE/F+; 4h'30/5h'00 round trip).

Approach by Etroubles through the private dirt road concomitant with the trail n° 21 towards Menouve/Molline Vallons and Hannibal Pass (2992m): from the small Village of Prailles Dessous towards Menouve Vallon, Arvus Pasture (1985m), Bivouac Molline (2424m); after through a small not numbered path to the North up to the fork 2519 metres and finally with traces on scree into a secondary small vallon to Hannibal Pass (2992m) facing towards the end a steep section with the possibility of finding residual snowfields. Finally through the Western Ridge, known as "Crest of Hannibal" and formed at the beginning of rocks quite easy and very routes followed by some elevations circumvented preferably on the left (North); immediately after it passes over a shoulder dominated by a turret called Aiguille du Déjeuner (3346m; A/F+/PD; 1h'15/1h'30). The last part does not present undue difficulty, and in about the same time it reaches the Altitude 3678 metres, hence continuing to Southeast, between the Glacier du Mont Velan right (South) and the Dôme du Velan is reached easily to the Summit (A/F+/PD-; 3h'45/4h'15 from the hill; 7h'00/7h'30 by the start on dirt road).

Approach through Vallon des Morts: from Aosta, along the State road n° 27 of Great St. Bernardo, crossing Gignod (988m), Etroubles (1264m), and St. Oyen (1373m), leave to the left the road to the tunnel and go up to Saint Rhemy-en-Bosses Common (1632m) along the valley leading to the Pass of Gran San Bernardo (2469m; Mansio Romana, Plan de Jupiter, Albergo Italia, Lago e Hospice). Pass the customs and descend along the road of Combes des Morts till a small car parking near the ventiduct of the Tunnel. Start walking along the dirt road, on the Western side of the torrent, ascending the Barasson combe and passing La drance and the path to the Hospice; when the road turns to Northwest start along a path and walk up to the Western Pass Barasson (2635m). From the Pass to continue, easily enough, along the crest of border reaching to East the Testa di Barasson (2731m); to overcome and to go down to the Oriental Hill of Barasson (2682m). Climb West on the quite Southeastern Crest, through debris, easy rocks and enough rotten blocks alternating with short stretches of rock solid and fun to climb, reaching the Summit (EEA/F+; 1h'30/1h'50 from Great St. Bernard Hill).

Approach through Vallon des Morts and Western Barasson Pass: from the Pass of Gran San Bernardo (2469m). Pass the customs and descend along the road of Combes des Morts till a small car parking near the Le Tronchet ventiduct of the Tunnel. Start walking along the dirt road, on the Western side of the torrent, ascending the Barasson combe and passing La drance and the path to the Hospice; when the road turns to Northwest start along a path and walk up to the Western Pass Barasson (2635m). From the Pass to continue, easily enough, along the crest of border reaching to East the Testa di Barasson (2731m); to overcome and to go down to the Oriental Hill of Barasson (2682m). Climb through the easy Crest West-Southwest for easy rocks to the Summit. From the Summit, after the descent on easy Northern Ridge, continue Northeast on border crest and, after the complete crossing on the entire Arête de Tcholaire (Tête Verte 2857m or Babylone e Tête Rouge 2805m), easily to reach Menouve Southwestern Pass (EE/F; 1h'30/2h'30 from Great St. Bernard Pass; EE/F+; 3h'45/4h'15 for the complete traverse up to the Menouve Southwestern Pass 2758m).

Approach through Vallons Menouve/Molline and Southwestern Menouve or Menovy Pass: from Saint Oyen Village (1373m) to Farm Holidays or from Etroubles Village (1264m) in State Rosad n° 27 of the Great Saint Bernard, also from Vachery Village (1332m), by paths n° 18/19A to Agriturisme, and, through dirt road, to obstruction, in altitude 1608 metres around, near Quaye Alpage; continue, by North direction, always by dirt private road, between Menouve Torrent/Menouve Ru (very old small brook for irrigation) to Menouve Alp (1913m). By Northwest direction, path in left diagonal ascent, to Trecaoudette Alp (2133m). From pasture, by the lower ground road to Menouve Torrent, near Menouve Tsa (2.243m; generally the most higher pasture, but no in this occasion for construction of the New Alp) in East, at the end of Mount Menouve/Great Moline Southern small Buttress. From hairpin bend 2315 metres, by Northwest direction, to Tsa Nouva Pasture (2426m). From alp go up, by same route towards Menouve South-western Pass (2758m), and continue to the fork of paths in quota 2645 metres; turn right (North-northeast) and, before through rare traces between two little torrent of Menouve Torrent into a small valley after by debris and rubbles, reach the Menouve Southastern Pass (2758m; EE/F; 3h'00/3h'30 from the beginning of dirt road).*** Alternative Route: by preceding route go up as far as the sixth hairpin bend of the dirt road after the signal of obstruction, near the Quaye Pasture (1550 metres about). By North-northwest direction and through higher path n° 21 briefly to arrive to Combe Germa(i)n Alp (1863m). From alp, leaving right (North) the last alpage, in short reach the nearby of Plan Bois Pasture (1893m); by a long in North-northwest diagonal, through a larch nice forest and leaving down the Menouve Pasture, rejoin with Tracaoudette Alp (2133m; T/E; 0h'45/1h'00). From this, same direction and same trail, leaving under the ground road, cross a little first torrent, descending from Punta Barasson (2963m), and a second with tiny lake. To come at an isolated alp and immediately afterwards to the Tsa Nouva (New Upper Alp) Alp (2426m), where ending even the dirt private road of Menouve Pasture (2243m), through a narrow hairpin road series (EE/F; 0h'45; in all 1h'30/1h'45). From the Southern Pass of Menouve follow the crest of the border toward the Northeast reaching the nearby Bec Noir (2801m) and immediately after in descent the Pass Northeast of Menouve (2775m; cableway from the Switzerland). Going beyond the elevations both 2902 metres go up the Southwest Ridge of Mont de Menouve or Menovy also called Les Rayons de la Madeleine (3051m; EEA/PD-/F+; 1h'15/1h'30). A brief but exposed descent down the North Ridge leads to the next Col de Molline and following Pointe de Crête Seche, little saddle, Pointes de Molline, Mont Tunnel, Tête Grise (2915m, 2953m, 2907m, 3020m, 3033m, 3060m; EEA/F +; 2h'00/2h'30 for the whole crossing). Easily and quickly with the East Ridge descend to Hannibal Pass, whence he returns towards Menouve Vallon, Quaye Alp and the small Prailles Dessous Village with the previous Route 9/A)-; (2h'15/2h'30 in descent).

Approach through Ollomont Commune (Glassier): from Glacier the Standard Route from the side of Ollomont starts from the Hamlet of Glacier also Glassier or, rather, from the Nino Regondi Bivouac. From Glacier also Glassier (1549m) take the mule-track to By Basin before the bridge and follow up to Farinet House, where you must turn right branch toward Fenêtre Durand. Follow the dirt road up to the Balme de Bal Pasture (2128m); along the mule track n° 5, or along the dirt road, to the Alp Lombardin (2309m) arriving there go to the Northeast up to the Alp Thoules (2381m), where the private farm dirt road ends (E/F; 2h'00/2h'15). From this it is possible to reach the Bivouac Nino Regondi (2599m), after Lake de la Batsèya or Bonseya (2513m), through a small unnumbered path, that heads for Southeast through the Vallon of Acqua Bianca (White Water) (EE/F; 3h'15/3h'30). From Bivouac Regondi reach Glacier du Mont Gelé around 2750 metres, leaving on the right the "Hopital des Chamois" (2783m) and along the first part by debris and rocks smoothed easy to follow. Passing beneath the entire Chain of Morions reach the beginning of the same, very variable depending on the year (0h'45/1h'00); continue without encountering particular areas with crevasses passing under the Trident de Faudery, Becca Crevaye and Becca Faudery and reaching, immediately below this last the Col du Mont Gelé (EE/A/F; 1h'00/1h'15) and to connect this to the route that climbs from Dzovenno-Ru in Valpelline. A short digression from the glacier of Mont Gelé Eastward you can also easily reach the Col de la Balme and, with the short Ridge North, near the Mont de la Balme (3347m). Or from the glacier up directly via the Southeast Ridge made of blocks and rocks easy but very broken. Finally go through the right margin (East) of the same remaining just below the Southeast Ridge until the final crevasse of the Southwest Face that ends with a short slope of generally hard snow mixed with small rocks (total 3h'15/3h'30 for the Mont Gelé; EEA/F+; calculate 0h'45 more with the Mont de la Balme). Also in the end you can climb quite easily the ridge paying attention to snow cornices, generally facing North.

10/B)- Tête Blanche de By (3413m) from Chiarella-Amiante Refuge (2979m)

Approach from Ollomont Common (Glacier): from the State Road n° 27 to the Great St. Bernard turn to the right towards Valpelline (964m), cross it and turn to the left North) to get Ollomont Common (1335m) and the small built area of Glacier or Glassier (1549m), where you must start walking. Enter the path-muletrack n° 3/4/5 towards the By Basin before the bridge and follow up to Farinet House where you must take the rightt branch through the path n° 4, equipped in the short terminal part with iron chains of thirty metres about, immediately below the shelter, towards the Franco Chiarella-Amiante Refuge (2979m; E/F+; 3h'45/4h'15). From the Refuge Franco Chiarella-Amiante, to go back Eastward with small not numbered trail between debris and until to reach the large blocks of the rocky band that comes down from North, to surpass these blocks on the right hand above an I stand out (3130 metres about), dominating the Gabelou Pass (3020m). To continue easily the ascent through a debris wide and little steep hairpin bends on not very obvious trail until the Summit, reached through a brief crossing to the left (West-northwest) in the final part (E/F; 1h'15/1h'30 shelter).

Approach from Glacier Village: with the previous route from "Farinet House" (2010m) continue Eastward through the trail n° 5 until it reaches the farm dirt private road from the Alpage Commune de By into the homonym Basin inserting the same reaching Balme de Bal Pasture (2128m). From this continues independently as route n° 5/TdC to Alpage of Lombardin (2309m), where returns and concomitant flexing most at Northeast, get to that Thoules, where it ends (2381 m; T/E; 2h'00/2h'20). Continuing further North, initially along the Torrent Fenêtre wade twice the same after 2620 metres altitude passes a secondary semi dry torrent lead to the opposite side (West). A long diagonal to the North-northeast leads just above the Lac Fenêtre (2711m; small springs almost everywhere) with stunning views of the West Face of the Mont Gelé and immediately after the Fenêtre de Durand (2805 m; E/F; 3h'00/3h'30). From the large hill, which leads to Val des Bagnes in Switzerland with magnificent view of the North Wall of increasingly Mont Gelé, climb through easy and a little boring East-southeast Ridge through a small path that exceeds unnumbered right a rocky promontory (3064m; only stretch where you have to be careful), leaving an immediate right (North), a beautiful tiny basin designed to "salle à manger", usually with residual snowfields in altitude of 3000/10 metres about. Became a track, continues evenly and fairly steep, reaching the unimportant elevation of 3192 metres and, passing through the midst easy reddish rocks that emerge from the debris at the end, immediately following, with great views, the Summit (E/F; 1h'20/1h'40 by Fenêtre de Durand; EE/F; 4h'30/4h'45 Glacier).

Approach through Allein Common: Allein continue to the North reaching through the Municipal Road Pied du Plan Pastures (1722m) and after, on private farms road those upper of Baravex de Meitin, Orgières e du Parc (2014m). This point goes up a path to the North-northwest, before under the Southwestern small Crest then in more open slope, that reach the Mont Saron or Mont Champ-Rion nearby the Cross of Southern Antetop; reached the true Summit, immediately to the North, continue on edge of the ridge or just below bypassing the other Summits and descend on Champillon Hill (2709m; quite easy but delicate descent on North Ridge Crou de Bleintse) and finally towards Letey Shelter and Alp Champillon at the end of asphalt road by Doues Municipality (EE/F+; 6h'00/6h'30 round trip from Pied du Plan Alpage towards Champillon parking).